Hear Here
UX/UI Design
2023
Time Frame: Jan 2023 - Jan 2024
Group Project: Seoyun Choi X Insun Heo
Awards: London Bright Ideas 2023 Finalist, London Mayor’s Entrepreneur 2023 Semi-Finalist
My role: Prototyping, Visual Design, Product strategy
Tools: Figma, Illustrator
Outcome
Research
Problem
Hearing loss can be difficult to detect since it often develops gradually, and hearing aids are generally inconspicuous, making the issue invisible. Our research has shown that it is more prevalent than we previously thought, yet it is often not discussed enough. We strongly felt the need to address this overlooked problem and develop a solution that could eventually benefit everyone.
Project Overview
‘Hear Here‘ is a restaurant booking platform for the hard of hearing. struggling in social situations helps them to have better conversations and aims to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing communities.
Secondary research
To deepen my understanding of people with hearing loss, I conducted a thorough review of existing research. It became clear that many individuals with hearing loss place a high value on quiet environments to enhance their listening experiences. What's interesting is that we also discovered that people without hearing loss share this preference for lower levels of noise, as highlighted in the SpeakEasy Report. This finding is significant because it underscores how solutions designed with marginalized user groups in mind can ultimately benefit a broader range of individuals, fostering greater inclusivity and innovation.
Understanding User Needs
Our team categorised the users into three categories - the mild to profound hearing loss group, the deaf with cochlear implant group, and the fully deaf group. A lot of their needs and pain points overlapped but a few were quite unique to each user group.
Flow Diagram: Initial Mapping
The initial challenge for us was to create a seamless user flow for both users who make/do not make a selection from the seat map. Then we created a simple and convenient user flow that incorporates all the processes of selections and confirmations of the user preferences in one flow.
Semi Prototype
From the user flow, we started quickly visualising lots of different ways of effectively presenting our key features. For inspiration, we studied existing products that offer booking services, such as restaurant apps, flight apps, and travel platforms.
Key features
We designing for…
Based on the two hard-of-hearing individuals we spoke with and my own personal experiences, we developed a persona. With the help of this persona, we were able to make thoughtful design decisions while keeping in mind the users.
Ideation
Design System
Our team decided to produce a trendy, youthful, and lively brand personality - one that actually speaks to the younger generation with hearing loss. We especially focused on creating an iconography that communicates the product, the brand personality, the lifestyle, and the brand story - all rolled into one. Our type choice was Raleway because it showed a strong quirky personality and yet was still easily legible with high distinction between each letter.
Prototyping
Usability testing
While engaged in rapid prototyping, we solicited feedback from a range of individuals to gauge their perceptions of the product and their ability to navigate it. By employing this approach, we were able to establish direct connections with potential users early on, which in turn enabled us to develop a more user-centric design.
Prototyping
Final Outcome
Feature1.
Seating map
The users will be able to easily choose their seats using the seating guide map, based on the different noise levels within the space.
Request form
Enables users to request further noise-related requirements such as turning down the fans/music noise
Noise review system
We will provide noise-related filters in the reviews that can help the hard of hearing to figure out the listening situations as well as anyone else who needs it.
Feature2.
Our platform includes community-oriented characteristics, including a rewards points system that can be directly donated to non-profit organizations (Auditory Verbal UK, Sense) focused on hearing loss.